Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2003-05-08DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 8, 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m., chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Denis Pellerin, Mark Stranz, Nathan Hallman, Doug Hoch, Sally Gunz, Glenn Woolner Staff: Catherine Heal, Frank Pizzuto, Michele Hodgins Others: 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA- May 8, 2003 It was suggested that the Mayfair Hotel be added as an agenda item. On motion by M. Schreiter it was moved: "That the agenda for the May 8, 2003 meeting be accepted." CARRIED 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -April 10, 2003 On motion by G. Woolner it was moved: "That the minutes from the April 10, 2003 meeting be accepted with the above mentioned correction/clarification." CARRIED 3. REQUEST FOR CURA STUDY ON HOUSING - Frank Pizzuto, Glen Woolner G. Woolner referred back to a previous DAC meeting where Committee members asked for a detailed housing study/inventory of housing in the city core and surrounding neighbourhoods (please see attached). Discussions ensued regarding the proposed report and how the study will help address the balances of healthy neighbourhoods, values, and what is acceptable. General discussion regarding the inclusion of the school boards participation in the Smart Growth studies. = On motion by D.Pellerin it was resolved: "That the educational sector be invited to participate in all discussions relating to Smart Growth and urbanization initiatives currently taking place, and that Council forward the motion to the Region of Waterloo for consideration." CARRIED The Committee also selected G. Woolner to be DAC's representative for the CURA project. CENTRE BLOCK UP-DATE - Frank Pizzuto DAC requested a special meeting be set to review information regarding the Centre Block development project, and for DAC to provide input for the project and to explore how DAC could contribute to the project (see attached notes from that meeting). DAC can have a rep. sit on steering committee as an observer, meets every week from 8:30-10 a.m. on Thurs. Centre Block Steering Committee continue exploring possibilities for the development of the Centre Block, and will be reporting to Council on Monday, May 12th with several options (see attached media release). The KPL Board presented to Council a report of their research of their requirements for relocating the library and will report back to Council on May 26th if the Centre Block is deemed a good fit. Council and the Steering Committee will then look at costs, financing options, partnership options and at the end of June, the Steering Committee will ask Council to consider this option. The following are comments/questions from Committee members: · libraries energize downtowns, bringing in a constant stream of people into the core. · Compass Kitchener is not represented on the Centre Block Steering Committee, as the Steering Committee will only be concentrating on the development of the block, and not become involved in other areas of the downtown or the city. · M. Schreiter expressed concerns of the Centre Block Steering Committee and linkages to businesses and downtown community issues. He feels there is no experience from the downtown on the Steering Committee. It was pointed out that DAC could participate in open discussions with the Steering Committee, and DAC appointed M. Schreiter as our representative. 2 5. KDBA UP-DATE - Marty Schreiter · this will be the 3rd year for the Blues, Brews & BBQ's festival. It has grown to become such a successful event, that the organizers of the festival have become an incorporated body to handle this event, which has expanded to 2 days, August 8-9. · specific patio standards have been created for downtown restaurants wishing to have sidewalk patios (see attached photo). · KDBA spring/summer newsletter has been distributed (see attached). · efforts to save our Downtown schools (KCI) have paid off. KCI has been removed from the school-closing list. DOWNTOWN UP-DATE- Frank Pizzuto · Kitchener's Downtown Evolution Showcase will be held on Tuesday, June 10th inviting downtown businesses to discuss joint responsibilities regarding maintenance, enforcement, etc. in the downtown. Event starts at 5:30 p.m. with presentations starting at 6:00 p.m. All DAC will be receiving an invitation and are encouraged to attend. · several meetings have been held with Market Lane businesses and interested parties to discuss the linkage between the new market and market square, parking, and the potential for boutiques, etc. along Market Lane. Also discussed was improving the cleanliness and beautification along Market Lane. · construction is underway on Phase I of the Arrow Shirts Factory, converting the building into residential units. · renovations continue on the Kaufman Building, with a combination of commercial and residential use. EDAC UP-DATE- Joan Euler J. Euler was not available to give a report. SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE UP-DATE - Doug Hoch The Youth Issues Grant Awards Program, administered by the Safe & Healthy Committee issues grants up to a maximum of $500, to programs/activities that contribute to a safer community. Funding is provided by the Charity 911 Golf Tournament, which will be held on June 19th this year. ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE UP-DATE - Denis Pellerin D. Pellerin had no report at this time. 10. MAYFAIR HOTEL M. Schreiter reported that Brian Bartlett was recognized with a provincial community- health award for helping organize a lounge that provides various health and social services for residents who rent rooms at the Mayfair Hotel. DAC members expressed an interest in touring the Mayfair Hotel, and M. Hodgins will arrange a tour for the next meeting. 11. NEW BUSINESS/AGENDA ITEMS G. Woolner informed the Committee that the new owner of the Kaufman Building has donated "Hazel" the steam engine, to the City of Kitchener, however, the City is unsure as what to do with it. One suggestion has been to create an artifact museum for Kitchener. G. Woolner suggested leaving it at the Kaufman buildings and developing around it, i.e. restaurant, museum, etc. 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Housing study/inventory of housing in the city core request. 2. Special meeting on Centre Block notes and media release. 3. Patio standards photo. 4. KDBA newsletter. 4